The university's administrators initially said they would not take back the honorary doctoral degree awarded to Cosby in 1997, but Knapp said he decided to reverse the decision after speaking with students and colleagues about the issue.

"Whatever may ultimately be determined about the guilt or innocence of Mr. Cosby in a court of law, the controversy itself has become a cause of renewed distress for our students and alumni who are survivors of sexual assault," Knapp said.